The Washington Wizards have completed a near 180-degree turn after overhauling their roster this offseason. Young pieces are around every corner, with potential stardom at every position. However, there is one player in Washington who doesn’t really fit in the puzzle anymore.
The Mysterious Case of Corey Kispert
Though entering just his fifth season, Corey Kispert is now the odd man out of the young and promising roster being built by the Wizards. Turning 27 years old before the season ends, the Gonzaga product isn’t on the younger side anymore. As a result, it’s looking like he could be one of the next players shipped out of the District.
Stagnant Growth
With only three Wizards players older than him and four more experienced, Kispert is one of the team’s veterans. Unfortunately for he and the team, he might not have capped out his potential, but he hasn’t shown much growth since his 2021-22 rookie campaign. That being said, Washington has several young talents to develop, so Kispert doesn’t have the luxury of betting on his potential.
Offensively, his scoring average has stagnated and he’s not a reliable playmaker. In 2024-25, he shot a career-low 45.1 percent from the field. The 3-point percentage (.364) he posted last season was his worst since his rookie outing. Looking at his work on the boards at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, his rebounding average (3.0) was a career-high last season but only a +0.3 rebounds per game higher than what he posted as a rookie.
Odd Fit
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins has taken a determined approach in the rebuild. He has emphasized building through the draft. He rather quickly trades players who don’t fit or halt growth. However, he’s willing to add high-character veterans, especially if they’re on expiring contracts.
Thus, there are two roads emerging for Kispert. One is to quietly ride the bench. In fact, with the growing game of 2024 first-round pick Kyshawn George, Kispert could be out of the picture in the forward rotation this upcoming season. Nevertheless, the long run, he could help the team in case of injuries. The other path sees D.C. trading him while getting a fair return is still viable.
Trade Value
While it’s difficult to gauge his trade value, Kispert could provide solid rotational minutes for teams around the league. It’s safe to say he’s a decent shooter with three seasons shooting above 36 percent from 3. In 2022-23, he shot a career-high 42.4 percent from beyond the arc, the 10th-highest mark in the NBA that season. With a career average of 11.1 points per game, he can provide solid offensive output.
As Kispert signed a four-year, $54 million contract last October, he also won’t break the bank. Additionally, his deal includes a team option for the 2028-29 season.
All in all, he could be used in a deal for a younger prospect or a late first-round draft pick.
The Last Word On D.C. Trading Corey Kispert
The concept of trading Kispert isn’t a dig. He’s been a relatively solid piece for the Wizards. However, with the rebuild showing signs of growth and entering the next phase, it’s hard to see him around much longer.
Does he get traded?
Who knows. Either way, Kispert’s career has surely been a mysterious case.
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